Your mouth has various parts that work together to help you speak, chew, and eat every day. The teeth and gums perform critical functions in a day to day basis. Some parts are more known than others but they too are responsible for important roles in your mouth. One perfect example is the cementum that works behind the scenes.

Cementum is a type of connective tissue that is found and forms along your tooth’s root as well as the crowns of your teeth. It solidifies by connecting to fibers that support the tooth to stay in place in the pockets of the jaw bone. Its characteristics are somewhat like the enamel’s but it is much softer.

The cementum has different characteristics. This connective tissue is classified according to the presence of collagen fibrils, location, cellularity, and the origin of the matrix fibers.

Observe the insights of our offices at emergency dentists regarding the different types of cementum.

Acellular afibrillar. This type of cementum comes from cementoblasts and considered as coronal cementum on our teeth. Its matrix is devoid of detectable collagen fibrils.

Acelluar extrinsic fiber. This type of cementum is visible in the lower two-thirds of the root and plays a significant role in anchoring your teeth to the jawbone. The principal fibers of this cementum are originally from periodontal ligaments which is why it is called extrinsic as these fibers’ orientation are perpendicular to the cementum that helps in tooth anchorage.

Cellular intrinsic fiber. This type of cementum is located at sites of cementum repair as it follows surface resorption. As opposed to helping to anchor teeth, this type of cementum plays no role in teeth anchorage.

Cellular mixed fiber. This type of cementum is found on apical third of a tooth’s root and in between the roots and is a mix of both extrinsic and afibrillar cementum.

Tooth sensitivity is one of the biggest problems that are caused by cementum loss along with gum recession and enamel loss. The lack or loss of cementum can result to dentin exposure. This is the part of your tooth that has nerve endings and blood vessels. Another is periodontal disease or gum disease where gum infection can cause irreversible damage to your bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. This often leads to loose teeth and eventually, tooth loss.

Teeth sensitivity is a sudden and sharp pain in one or more teeth. This usually happens when you drink a glass of cold water or when you bite into ice cream. If you are experiencing this, you may have tooth sensitivity issues and should consult your dentist.

You have to protect your teeth by diligently observing proper oral care regimen to avoid periodontal disease and cementum loss. Neglecting your responsibility on your oral health can cause more problems than you think. Remember to brush and floss daily. Increase your protection against infections and use oral care products that your dentist recommends to treat on going dental problems.